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Syphilitic Myelopathy
Alternate Names : Tabes Dorsalis
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Syphilitic Myelopathy Treatment
The goals of treatment are to cure the infection and to reduce progression of the disorder. Treatment of the infection reduces new nerve damage and may reduce symptoms but does not cure existing nerve damage.
For neurosyphilis, aqueous penicillin G (by injection) is the drug of choice. Some patients with penicillin allergies are desensitized to penicillin so that it can be used to treat this disease.
Symptomatic treatment is required for existing neurologic damage. Assistance or supervision may be needed if the person is unable to perform self-care activities (eating, dressing, etc.). Rehabilitation, physical therapy, occupational therapy, or other interventions may be appropriate for people with muscle weakness.
Analgesics may be required to control pain. These may include over-the-counter medications such as aspirin (oral salicylates) or acetaminophen for mild pain but narcotics may be required. Anti-epilepsy drugs such as carbamazepine may have a role in the treatment of lightning pains.
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• Definition
• Syphilitic Myelopathy Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
• Syphilitic Myelopathy Symptoms & Signs
• Syphilitic Myelopathy Prevention
• Syphilitic Myelopathy Diagnosis & Tests
• Syphilitic Myelopathy Treatment
• Syphilitic Myelopathy Prognosis
• Syphilitic Myelopathy Complications
• Calling Your Health Care Provider
• Pictures & Images
Topics that might be of interest to you Diseases & Conditions
• Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm
• Neurosyphilis
• Syphilis
• Syphilis - Primary
• Syphilis - Tertiary
Tests & Exams
• Cranial CT Scan
• CSF Cell Count
• CSF VDRL Test
• Lumbosacral Spine CT
• MRI
• RPR
• VDRL
Other Topics
• Movement - Uncoordinated
• Muscle Function Loss
• Numbness and Tingling
• Pain Medications
• Peripheral
• Physical Examination
• Symptomatic
• Walking/Gait Abnormalities
• Weakness
Review Date : 8/7/2002
Reviewed By : Camille Kotton, M.D., Infectious Diseases Division, Massachusetts General Hospital and Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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